Since Cambodia reopened its borders to tourists in the early 1990s, visitors from around the world have flocked to this intriguing Southeast Asian country to experience its fascinating cultural heritage, to engage with the wonderfully welcoming locals, and to marvel at the numerous spectacular natural wonders Cambodia has to offer. Phnom Penh, the nation’s bustling capital, is home to a slew of excellent restaurants, lively outdoor markets and a boisterous nightlife. However, most of Cambodia’s most popular attractions are located beyond the capital. Tourist favourites include: the sleepy French-influenced town of Kampot with its lovely promenade dotted with gorgeous French villas and charming riverside cafes; the breathtaking waterfalls of the lush jungle-clad Cardamon Mountains; and, of course, the awe-inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat - the world’s largest and arguably most impressive religious structure. Cambodia serves travellers of all sensitivities, whether they're seeking adventurous jungle excursions, exquisite golden-sand beaches, luxury resorts or sumptuous exotic cuisine, Cambodia truly does have it all.
Located at the meeting of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Cambodia’s energetic capital, Phnom Penh, is known for its rich history, friendly locals and world-class food scene. The primary drawcard of the city its visible heritage - the National Museum of Cambodia features a millennium’s worth and more of an incredible Khmer design. The monumental Royal Palace, the official residence of King Sihamoni, houses the famous Throne Hall, used for coronations and ceremonies. Within the Royal Palace is the spectacular Silver Pagoda, named for its floor covered with five tons of gleaming silver. The Tonle Sap riverfront area provides a charming place to enjoy a meal and some fine French wine (an enduring colonial legacy), while the local nightclubs provide a fun time out on the town, complete with karaoke singers and stage dancers.
Located in the Mondulkiri Province, the largest province in Cambodia, Sen Monorom is the largest town in the area and serves as the provincial capital. This frontier town is home to the indigenous Pnong community. In the heart of the town, visitors can view two magnificent lakes which add to the town’s charm. The surrounding area around Sen Monorom is scattered with glorious waterfalls amidst thick jungle and a lush rolling landscape dotted with hill tribe villages. Visitors can sample local Cambodian fare at an array restaurants that line the main strip, enjoy a drink at a buzzing bar and stay over in one of the many comforatable hotels. Other popular activities include: hill trekking, ecotourism trips, motorbike tours, and cultural experiences with the local indigenous Bunong people.
Koh Trong, a serene island in the Mekong River, lies across from Kratie in Kratie Province. Embraced by sandy beaches for most of the year and invigorated by river breezes, the car-free island is navigated by carts. With smiling locals, weathered fishermen, and fertile land turned orchard, Koh Trong, or "the island where the king lost his ring," is affectionately known as the royal island. Revel in the unhurried lifestyle, wander on foot or bike, swim in the Mekong (December to May), and engage with nearby villages, offering a glimpse into fieldwork. Koh Trong is a serene paradise waiting to be explored.
Known locally as 'dey krahorm', which translates to 'red Earth', the dusty red-soil town of Banlung serves as the capital of the Ratanakiri Province and is a strategic trailhead for many treks and a popular jumping-off point to the surrounding Ratanakiri region. One of the area's main highlights is Boeng Yeak Lom, a beautiful, emerald-hued volcanic crater lake encompassed by lush green jungle. Visitors can look forward to a host of activities, such as browsing the local handicrafts at the traditional market, exploring the nearby Cha Ong waterfall, renting a bicycle to explore the streets and scenic surroundings, sample a variety of Cambodian cuisine. Other popular attractions include Wat Rahtanharahm at the base of Eisey Patamak Mountain, and treetop ecolodges, trails, and wildlife of Virachey National Park are just 50 kilometres away from Banlung.
Located where the northern plains of Cambodia meet the Dangrek Mountains in the north and the Mekong River to the west, the rugged and thickly-forested Preah Vihear Province is renowned for its impressive Angkorian temple ruins. Chief among these are the 10th-century Koh Ker Temple complex, the UNESCO accredited mountaintop Prasat Preah Vihear temple, and the Preah Khan Kompong Svay site, with its stunning 1000-year-old artworks. Adventurous visitors will have plenty to keep them busy with a variety of outdoor activities on offer. These include unforgettable motorcycle tours into lush jungles to discover remote temples and hiking or mountaineering trips through a remarkable variety of natural habitats – forest, jungle, grasslands and wetlands – where unique and endangered wildlife and birdlife are protected, including Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis.
Best known as the gateway to the magnificent ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a pleasant town with lovely French colonial and Chinese architecture and a laid-back ambience. The main attraction here is of course the Angkor complex. Covering an area larger than Paris, it encompasses scores of exquisite temple structures featuring intricately carved detail – dancing ladies and lotus flowers embellish the walls, five-headed naga (serpent deities) fan out from chunks of rock. Abandoned for unknown reasons thousands of years ago, it was rediscovered in 1860 by a French explorer, Henri Mahout, and has been Cambodia’s crowning glory ever since. Other attractions in and around Siem Reap include an array of arts and crafts shops, a cultural village that allows a glimpse into traditional local life, and a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of town.
Located in northwestern Cambodia on the banks of the Sangkae River, surrounded by emerald-green rice paddies, pepper plantations and lush rainforests with networks of trekking trails, many leading to traditional villages and quaint hilltop shrines. With a history that dates back to the 11th century AD and a modern role as a crucial national rice production area, Battambang has always played a key role in Cambodian affairs. Despite its commercial importance, the city has retained a slow-paced charm that - together with its cafe culture, riverside location, thriving arts scene, and gracefully dilapidated architecture - lends itself to an enchanting visit. A must-do is the river cruise between Battambang and Siem Reap - widely acknowledged as the most scenic river route in the country.
